Big Sky Power Rankings: Week 6

[weberwildcat]

ISU Sports Blog - Idaho State Journal
Written By: krobinett
http://www.pocatelloshops.com/new_blogs/kellis/?p=4555

Bracket projections are really starting to heat up right now, and so far that’s a bad thing for the Big Sky.

If Weber State holds on and wins the conference’s automatic berth into the NCAA tournament, most are saying the Wildcats will get a 15 seed.

I don’t see that projection getting any better unless Portland State is the team that goes to the Big Dance.

With a win over Gonzaga and the respect of being in the tournament a year ago, the Vikings and their Top 100 RPI could land them a 14 seed. Earlier this year, when Portland State was the projected Big Sky champion, that’s where most predictors had the Vikings.

If Montana wins the league, I could see the Griz sneaking into a 15 seed. But more realistically, they would be relegated to a 16 seed — the Big Sky’s second straight. Montana State would likely get a 16 seed as well.

But if anyone else wins the league, it would definitely mean the Big Sky is headed for the play-in game. That’s where teams with losing records generally go.

Now, onto the rankings …

1. Weber State (9-1, 15-8)
My mind is made up. Kellen McCoy is this year’s Big Sky MVP.

2. Montana (8-3, 17-7)
The way Montana is playing, I wouldn’t put it past the Grizzlies to win out.

3. Portland State (8-3, 17-7)
The Vikings are relying way too much on the 3-pointer.

4. Montana State (5-5, 12-10)
The Bobcats have some pathetic losses, but when they’re hot they can beat anyone. Just ask Weber State, Portland State, Colorado and Oregon State.

5. Northern Colorado (6-6, 10-15)
Congratulations to Tad Boyle and his coaching staff. The Bears should make the Big Sky tournament for the first time this season.

6. Eastern Washington (5-7, 11-13)
The Eagles finally stopped the bleeding by winning two at home last week, but it may be too little too late. Their closing schedule is killer. At Weber State, at Idaho State, vs. Northern Colorado and vs. Portland State. They could easily lose all four.

7. Idaho State (4-6, 7-17)
The Bengals are without a doubt the league’s biggest disappointment this year.
8. Northern Arizona (3-8, 6-16)
Too bad close losses don’t count for anything.

9. Sacramento State (1-10, 2-22)
Looks like the Hornets used up all they had to beat the Bengals.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I think he's right... I hope that Weber can sneak into a 14 seed, but its going to be tough if they lose anymore games. Also, for Weber to get the automatic selection the Cats will, most likely, have to beat PSU three times... In my opinion that might be enough to get them more national ink and a chance solidify a 14 seed. If Weber wins out and goes 17-1 in BSC play (counting the tourny) then Weber might have a chance at getting a 13 seed at 23-8... Just like in football, our Preseason schedule will come back to bit us; in the next few years, Weber will need to try to win a few more of those instate and preseason games to get better ink and national attention.

 

[wsucatfan]

I think he's right... I hope that Weber can sneak into a 14 seed, but its going to be tough if they lose anymore games. Also, for Weber to get the automatic selection the Cats will, most likely, have to beat PSU three times... In my opinion that might be enough to get them more national ink and a chance solidify a 14 seed. If Weber wins out and goes 17-1 in BSC play (counting the tourny) then Weber might have a chance at getting a 13 seed at 23-8... Just like in football, our Preseason schedule will come back to bit us; in the next few years, Weber will need to try to win a few more of those instate and preseason games to get better ink and national attention.

I disagree that our pre-season hurt us, I think a tough pre-season toughen up our young team and that is why we are #1 in conference play and 6-0 on the road. The BYU and Aggie games sucked but the U of A was a good close game. I would rather lose to the U of A than to beat the Southwest Baptist C.C. We had a few games that we should have won early in the year but overall we are way ahead of what everyone's expectations were for this team.

 

[weberwildcat]

I think he's right... I hope that Weber can sneak into a 14 seed, but its going to be tough if they lose anymore games. Also, for Weber to get the automatic selection the Cats will, most likely, have to beat PSU three times... In my opinion that might be enough to get them more national ink and a chance solidify a 14 seed. If Weber wins out and goes 17-1 in BSC play (counting the tourny) then Weber might have a chance at getting a 13 seed at 23-8... Just like in football, our Preseason schedule will come back to bit us; in the next few years, Weber will need to try to win a few more of those instate and preseason games to get better ink and national attention.

I disagree that our pre-season hurt us, I think a tough pre-season toughen up our young team and that is why we are #1 in conference play and 6-0 on the road. The BYU (aggie color theft) and Aggie games sucked but the U of A was a good close game. I would rather lose to the U of A than to beat the Southwest Baptist C.C. We had a few games that we should have won early in the year but overall we are way ahead of what everyone's expectations were for this team.

Good point, our goal is to win the Big Sky anyway, not worry about trying to get a 12 seed.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I think he's right... I hope that Weber can sneak into a 14 seed, but its going to be tough if they lose anymore games. Also, for Weber to get the automatic selection the Cats will, most likely, have to beat PSU three times... In my opinion that might be enough to get them more national ink and a chance solidify a 14 seed. If Weber wins out and goes 17-1 in BSC play (counting the tourny) then Weber might have a chance at getting a 13 seed at 23-8... Just like in football, our Preseason schedule will come back to bit us; in the next few years, Weber will need to try to win a few more of those instate and preseason games to get better ink and national attention.

I disagree that our pre-season hurt us, I think a tough pre-season toughen up our young team and that is why we are #1 in conference play and 6-0 on the road. The BYU (aggie color theft) (aggie color theft) and Aggie games sucked but the U of A was a good close game. I would rather lose to the U of A than to beat the Southwest Baptist C.C. We had a few games that we should have won early in the year but overall we are way ahead of what everyone's expectations were for this team.

Good point, our goal is to win the Big Sky anyway, not worry about trying to get a 12 seed.

I never said that the preseason didn't get the team ready... I just said the preseason didn't get the Cats any ink, nationally. Unfortunately, it did the opposite, but the games Weber played were great for the teams development, and I think it would be wrong to play a bunch of patsy's. I love the fact that Rahe wants to play good strong teams. He knows how to cultivate talent, confidence, and teamwork.. I definitely agree that Weber's preseason schedule helped to gell this team, and move them towards were they are now. However, with regards to the context of this topic, I was talking about how our preseason losses will hurt the Cats when they are seeded in the NCAA Tournament.
With regards to preseason. I've always said, and believed, that Weber's attendance figures improve after they beat one of the big four. The community struggles to support the Cats until they have proven to be a good team (which is ridiculous and sad, support the Cats from Day 1 no matter).